Municipal courts deal with violations of city ordinances committed within city limits. Cases usually involve traffic or other minor offenses.

A person charged with an offense in municipal court may be represented by a lawyer. The judge hears cases without a jury. Anyone convicted in municipal court may appeal to the district court of the county where the municipal court is located.

Municipal judges in Kansas who are not lawyers must be certified by the Kansas Supreme Court to hold office. A judge has 18 months from taking office to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court. Each year, nonlawyer judges must attend 13 hours of continuing legal education provided by the Supreme Court.